Supervisors Hear Initial Report on Squaw Valley Village Expansion

July 30, 2012

At a regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors’ meeting at the Resort at Squaw Creek last week, Planning Services Division staff gave the Board an initial presentation on a proposed project that would increase the number of rooms, retail shopping areas and other amenities at the world-famous ski area.

Squaw Valley Resorts is proposing a project on a 100-acre portion of the 4,700-acre Squaw Valley General Plan area. The Specific Plan for the development proposes to amend the General Plan to develop a

Squaw Valley owners are proposing an expansion of the Village at the mountain resort.

The four-phase development would be built over 12 to 15 years. The first phase would include approximately 25 acres and almost 1 million square feet of development.

Planning staff made the presentation and responded to Supervisor questions. The project developer also responded to Board questions.

“This will be a very closely watched proposal as it could have substantial impacts—positive or negative-- on water, traffic, air and other quality of life issues for Olympic Valley residents and businesses in the Eastern end of Placer County”, said Chairwoman Jennifer Montgomery, whose Fifth District includes Squaw Valley. “Placer County is committed to a full, robust, open and transparent process that will include the voices and input of all affected stakeholders in the region.”

Members of the public also commented on the project and voiced their concerns over several aspects of the project, including its size, building height, water, effect on the valley and Squaw Creek and the Squaw Valley community.

There will be numerous opportunities for public comment, including when the proposed project is presented to the Squaw Valley Municipal Advisory Council, as well as having a hearing before the Planning Commission and then coming back to the Board. There will also be opportunities for public comment on the environmental documentation process.